Japan’s First Ever ‘Pride Index’ Awards 53 Companies ‘Gold’ Rank

Work With Pride, a private organization created through the efforts of IBM Japan and Human Rights Watch which works for the creation of LGBT-friendly workplaces in Japan held a commendation event evaluating the work environments of several companies. 82 companies and organizations applied, and about 600 people participated in the event.

Companies were evaluated according to the “Pride Index”, which was formulated in June, and designated one of three grades, “gold”, “silver”, or “bronze”. Companies are allowed to display a logo representing their designation on things such as business cards, advertisements, and recruitment materials. At this event, 53 companies were designated as “gold”.

At a panel discussion of LGBT individuals regarding efforts within companies to support LGBT, examples were raised where university students conducting job hunting activities listed their reason for applying as “Because this company supports LGBT”.

In addition, other concerns and comments such as

“Some companies claim to have understanding for LGBT people but workers still throw words around like ‘okama’ and gay people become a topic of conversation. Companies still have a long way in creating an accepting atmosphere”

“Over many years, there’s been a great permeation (of LGBT acceptance into general society). This is seen in the 90’s gay boom and the boom of dealing with gender identity disorder in television dramas in the 2000’s. This time is a little different. LGBT people are making themselves known and companies are also making efforts. I want companies to make sustainable measures.”

At panel discussion of company managers, IBM Japan Premier Advisor Shimono Masatsugu, who has dealt with LGBT related issues since 2004, said

“There is an LGBT boom now, but what is most important is how we can come to accept diversity. We should strive for essential, rather than superficial measures. At first, it was just human resources, LGBT individuals, and myself (making efforts for LGBT individuals in the workplace). Now, many allies have appeared as well. It is important to broaden the community.”

The companies that are rated “Gold” are listed below. “Best Practice” was awarded to Lifenet Insurance Company for a project that donates LGBT-related books for children to libraries across Japan